Uh Oh, Not the Photos! 5 Ways to Protect Your Memories from Disaster in WNY
We’ve all seen the heartbreaking news stories after a fire or flood – families lamenting the loss of irreplaceable photos and memorabilia. Here in Western New York, we’re no strangers to potential disasters, whether it's a blizzard-induced power outage, a spring thaw basement flood, or just an unexpected household accident. While we can replace furniture and electronics, those boxes of family photos? They’re gone forever.
This is, without a doubt, the single most effective way to protect your photos from physical disaster. Once your photos are scanned into digital format, the originals can be safely stored away (more on that below), but the images themselves exist independently.
The Bonus: Digitization makes your photos easier to share, organize, and enjoy! No more digging through dusty boxes.
Local Solution: Getting thousands of photos scanned can seem daunting. That's where a local service helps! Here in Buffalo, we offer fast, professional scanning. We even include an enhanced version of every scan, improving faded colors and clarity. Plus, with our typical 7-day turnaround, you won't wait long to have your digital memories secured.
3 Copies: Keep at least three copies of your important files (your photo library!).
2 Different Media: Store these copies on at least two different types of storage media (e.g., your computer's internal hard drive + an external hard drive, or computer + USB drive).
1 Offsite Location: Keep at least one copy stored offsite. This is crucial for protecting against local disasters like fire or flood that could destroy everything in your home. Offsite could mean a secure cloud storage service, a hard drive stored at a relative's house across town (maybe not next door!), or a secure deposit box.
Elevate: Keep photos out of basements (flood risk!) and away from attics (extreme temperature/humidity fluctuations). A closet shelf on an upper floor is often better.
Protect: Use archival-quality, acid-free boxes or albums. Avoid cheap plastic bins that can off-gas harmful chemicals, and steer clear of sticky magnetic albums which damage photos over time. Never use rubber bands!
Cool & Dry: Aim for a stable environment with moderate temperature and low humidity. Avoid storing near exterior walls or heating/cooling vents.
If you have a small selection of extremely precious, unscanned photos or albums, consider keeping them in a portable, fire-resistant, and waterproof document bag or small safe. Store this where it's easily accessible in an evacuation scenario. Include a USB drive containing your most important digitized photos as part of this kit.
While insurance can't replace the sentimental value, having a record can be helpful.
Quick Scan Inventory: Even a quick phone scan or video walkthrough of your albums and photo boxes before professional digitization can serve as a basic inventory.
Digital File List: Once digitized, keep a record of what you have (perhaps a simple spreadsheet). Note where the digital files and backups are stored.
Appraisal (Rare Cases): For historically significant or valuable antique photos, consider a professional appraisal for insurance purposes.
Peace of Mind is Priceless
Protecting your photos isn't about paranoia; it's about preparedness. Losing your family's visual history is a devastating blow. By digitizing your collection and implementing smart backup and storage strategies, you can breathe easier knowing your cherished memories are safe, whatever surprises Western New York throws your way.
Ready to take the most important step in disaster-proofing your photos?
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